If multiplication is just repeated addition, then why when 2 negatives get multiplied they become a positive?
In: Mathematics
Adding 2 is like taking two steps forward.
Adding -2 is like taking two steps backward.
Doing 2*2 is saying add 2, twice. This is saying to take 2 steps forward, twice. So effectively, you took 4 steps forward, i.e. 2*2 = 4
Doing -2*2 is like saying turn around (because of the negative), then take 2 steps forward twice. So effectively, you took 4 steps backward, i.e. -2*2 = -4
Doing 2*-2 is like saying take 2 steps backward twice. So effectively, you took 4 steps backward, i.e. 2*-2 = -4
Doing -2*-2 is like saying turn around, then take 2 steps backwards twice. So effectively, you took 4 steps forward, i.e. -2*-2 = 4
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